Before the Ride

TCLOCS
THE PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

T = Tires and Wheels
Inspect your wheel rims for dents and cracks. Make sure that the spokes are tight and straight. Check tire pressure often daily when you are touring – and always use a tire gauge. Consult your owner’s manual for correct pressure and load rating. Air pressure can change with the air temperature. While you’re at it, inspect tires. Remove any objects stuck in the treads that may cause a puncture. Check for sufficient tire tread depth. Replace them if less that 50 percent of the tread remains, or if there are any cracks, cuts, or signs of distress.
TIP: If you strike an object, such as a curb, at speed, severe internal tire damage may result which is not visible from the outside. In such a case, have your dealer remove and inspect your tires.

C = Cables and Controls
Next you will want to check the controls to be sure they operate properly. Inspect the front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch, and shifter. Squeeze the clutch to feel if it is operating smoothly. Squeeze the front brake: it should feel firm and keep the motorcycle from rolling forward when pushed. Check the rear brake in the same way. Replace broken, worn, or frayed cables at once. Do not forget to periodically lube your cables so that they maintain smooth operation.
TIP: Visual inspection of brake pads can be made without removing the caliper by viewing each caliper with a flashlight. Check your owner’s manual for acceptable minimum brake pad thickness. (Note: Always replace brake pads in pairs.)

L = Lights and Electrics
Check your headlight(s)(high and low beam), directional signals, tail light, and brake light every time you ride. Not only do they help you see where you're going, but they are your best way of being seen by others. If a light is out, it is often easy to change it yourself. Consult your owner's manual and/or service manual for correct type, and removal and replacement procedure. If replacing a headlight, consult your owner's manual for proper headlight alignment.
TIP: If your turn signal indicator light is on but not flashing, check the bulbs. It may simply be burned out bulb in one signal that is causing the other signal (and indicator light) not to flash.

O = Oil and Fluids
Start by checking your fuel supply. Check the engine oil level according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Harley Davidson ® motorcycles are designed to make oil changes easy. (If you do it yourself, don't slack off on the maintenance schedule. And make sure the old oil is properly disposed of. It should be sealed in an approved container and taken to a legitimate oil disposal facility.) You can double the life of your battery by checking and correcting its water level regularly. However, since the 1999 model year (and longer for some models) all HD ® and Buell® motorcycles have sealed, maintenance free batteries. If you have an older model, consult your owner's manual for the proper battery maintenance procedure. For those who can't ride as often as they'd like, install a battery tender with a convenient disconnect. If you travel often, for instance, the charger will help you avoid a dead battery the next time you want to ride. Check for any fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid leaks. Visually inspect the engine and oil lines to make sure there are no leaks.
TIP: Engine oil is a major factor in the performance and service life of the engine – especially when temperature extremes are involved. Base your choice of engine oil grade on the lowest temperature you expect to experience before your next oil change. Consult your owner's manual for exact recommendations.

C = Chassis
Inspect the chassis for cracks at gussets and accessory mounts. Check the steering for smoothness by turning the handlebars through the full operating range. Test the suspension for smooth, damped movement, and be sure to adjust it according to the load you're carrying and your riding style (consult your owner's manual). For high mileage bikes, inspect the drive belt and sprockets.
TIP: If your Harley Davidson motorcycle is equipped with an air adjustable rear suspension, a good rule of thumb is to add three pounds of pressure to the rear shock for every 10 pounds of additional weight (passenger or cargo). Just be sure to check your owner's manual for your bike's upper limit.

S = Sidestand/Kickstand/Jiffy Stand
Check for cracks or bending in the metal, and make sure there's enough tension in the spring to hold it up and out of the way when riding. A dangling stand is a real hazard. Also, before you start riding, sit on your bike and take a look in the mirrors to be sure they're adjusted properly. Even if you don't think you've moved the mirrors, do a quick check just to be sure.
TIP: Your sidestand can easily sink into soft soil or hot asphalt. To avoid a potentially hazardous situation, consider a sidestand puck or crushed aluminum can with you at all times to place under the sidestand when parking your motorcycle on dirt or asphalt.

On the road

Correctly choosing which lane - and where within a lane - to ride your motorcycle is a critical, dynamic process that each of us should carefully consider. Below is some advice from Rider's Edge, the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling. Remember, there is no "one best position" when riding on a roadway.

• When determining where to ride within a lane, avoid potentially hazardous road irregularities such as cracks, potholes, groves, debris, water puddles, etc
• Constantly scan the upcoming road and be aware of changing conditions due to hills, blind curves, multiple driveways, merge lanes and traffic conditions. Position yourself accordingly.
• Whenever possible, position yourself to allow a safe and quick escape maneuver should any of the above conditions change or present a sudden hazard.
• In general, when riding alone on a straight road, most people prefer to ride in the left third of the lane. It provides the best line of sight for the road ahead and makes you most visible to oncoming traffic. However, always be prepared to make adjustments based on road conditions and traffic patterns.
• Always leave a minimum of two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• If you can't see 12 seconds down the road, slow down and give yourself as much "space cushion" as possible by choosing a center lane position or one that provides the most available visibility.
• Limited-access highways provide a great opportunity to practice using lane position for visibility and space cushioning. Keep an eye on merge ramps, as drivers don't always check for parallel traffic.
• Watch for fluid droppings (usually from other vehicles) in the center of the lane at traffic stops such as controlled intersections (stop signs, traffic lights) and at tollbooths. Try to stay left or right of the slippery areas at these locations. In most other circumstances, the center of a lane isn't any slicker than the other parts and should remain an option.
  • It may help to remember the analogy of "clean foot/dirty foot" at intersections. The rider in the left third of the lane always puts his/her left foot down and the rider in the right third of the lane always puts his/her right foot down. This helps the riders keep their foot out of the center, slick portion of the road at intersections.
    

Reprinted from Enthusiast Fall 2004 with editor's permission.